Understanding NCA Kenya: The National Construction Authority
NCA Kenya: Contractor Categories, Requirements, and Pricing
The National Construction Authority (NCA) is a government body in Kenya established under the NCA Act No. 41 of 2011. Its core role is to regulate, streamline, and develop the construction industry, ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards.
Whether you are a contractor, subcontractor, or specialist in the construction sector, NCA registration is mandatory before undertaking any construction project in Kenya.
Contractor Categories
NCA groups contractors into classes NCA 1 to NCA 8, based on the maximum contract value they can undertake.
| Class | Building Works Limit | Specialist Works Limit | Roads & Civil Works Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCA 1 | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| NCA 2 | Up to KSh 500M | Up to KSh 250M | Up to KSh 750M |
| NCA 3 | Up to KSh 300M | Up to KSh 150M | Up to KSh 500M |
| NCA 4 | Up to KSh 200M | Up to KSh 100M | Up to KSh 300M |
| NCA 5 | Up to KSh 100M | Up to KSh 50M | Up to KSh 200M |
| NCA 6 | Up to KSh 50M | Up to KSh 20M | Up to KSh 100M |
| NCA 7 | Up to KSh 20M | Up to KSh 10M | Up to KSh 50M |
| NCA 8 | Up to KSh 10M | Up to KSh 5M | Up to KSh 20M |
Work Categories
Contractors are also classified by the type of work they undertake:
- Building Engineering Works
- Civil Engineering Works (e.g., roads, water projects)
- Specialist Engineering Services (e.g., mechanical, electrical, telecommunications)
Note: Certain specialties like electrical installations require additional licensing from EPRA, and telecommunications work requires licensing from the Communications Authority of Kenya.
Requirements per Category (Local Contractors)
To register under any NCA category, you must provide:
- Business Details
- Certificate of Incorporation / Business Registration
- CR12 form (for companies)
- Copies of directors’ IDs
- Tax Compliance
- Valid KRA Tax Compliance Certificate
- Valid business license from county government
- Technical Capacity
- Academic certificates for technical directors/staff
- Proof of ownership/lease of construction equipment
- Evidence of completed or ongoing projects
- Financial Capacity
- Audited financial statements (3 years) or bank statements
- Special Licenses (if applicable)
- EPRA license for electrical works
- CAK license for communication works
Pricing & Fees (Local Contractors)
Registration Fees
- Application fee: KSh 5,000 (non-refundable)
- Registration fee per class:
| Class | Fee (KSh) |
|---|---|
| NCA 1 | 100,000 |
| NCA 2 | 75,000 |
| NCA 3 | 50,000 |
| NCA 4 | 25,000 |
| NCA 5 | 20,000 |
| NCA 6 | 15,000 |
| NCA 7 | 10,000 |
| NCA 8 | 5,000 |
Renewal Fees
- Range from KSh 3,000 (NCA 8) to KSh 30,000 (NCA 1) annually
Late Renewal Penalties
- Range from KSh 9,000 (NCA 8) to KSh 90,000 (NCA 1)
Foreign Contractor Requirements
Foreign firms must:
- Pay USD 3,000 registration fee
- Have valid work permits for foreign staff
- Subcontract at least 30% of works to a local contractor
Step-by-Step Registration Process
- Pay the application fee (KSh 5,000)
- Submit application online via the NCA portal with all required documents
- Inspection/verification visit (for higher categories NCA 1–3)
- Receive approval & invoice for registration fee
- Pay registration fee based on your class
- Get your NCA registration certificate
Why NCA Registration Matters
- Legal compliance – It's illegal to carry out construction without registration.
- Tender eligibility – Most government and large private projects require NCA certification.
- Credibility – Clients trust NCA-certified contractors.
- Industry growth – Access to training, resources, and capacity building from NCA.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re starting small as an NCA 8 contractor or aiming for NCA 1, understanding the categories, requirements, and fees ensures a smoother registration process and opens up more business opportunities.
